The Legend of Holly Claus

by Brittney Ryan, Laurel Long (Illustrator)

Santa Claus's daughter sets out to break a curse and free a magical kingdom--in this beloved New York Times bestseller.
Though few mortals know his secret, Nicholas is more than a jolly red-suited man who visits children all over the world on Christmas Eve--he is also the king of Forever, Land of the Immortals. Each year he gets letters from millions of boys and girls, and helps make their Christmas wishes come true. But one year, a special little boy from New York City asks something Nicholas has never been asked before: "What do you wish for Christmas, Santa?" With that simple question, a magical story unfolds. Nicholas answers that his only wish is for a child. And soon the immortal people of the kingdom celebrate the arrival of Holly Claus, the princess of Forever and the first child to grace its ground. But their happiness is dashed when an evil sorcerer places a spell on the infant, turning her heart to ice and freezing her kingdom in time. Many years later, just in time for Christmas Eve, Holly travels to New York, intent upon saving Christmas and freeing the land of Forever. Holly will make this the most magical--and memorable--Christmas the world has ever seen. This ebook features a note from Brittney Ryan including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author's personal collection.

Genres: Christmas, Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, Adventure, Holiday

544 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2004

About the author

Brittney Ryan is an American author who was born in Portland, Oregon. She attended the University of Portland’s School of Dramatic Arts and Music. Since then, she has performed in musicals and has worked as a composer, producer, and television commentator. However, Ryan is best known as a storyteller and the New York Times bestselling author of The Legend of Holly Claus, a magical Christmas fantasy about the daughter of Nicholas Claus (known to many around the world as Santa Claus). Ryan got the idea for Holly Claus when she was just seventeen and performing in a Christmas musical in her hometown. A little girl climbed on to her lap and whispered a question into her ear: “Are you Santa’s daughter?” While creating her story, Ryan took inspiration from the literature she loved most as a child—classics such as A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, Little Women, Treasure Island,and, most importantly, The Wizard of Oz.Ryan lives and works in California.
Here is a quote from the author Brittney Ryan

"My intent was to write a story that would become a true legend, so it was important to me to present Holly Claus’s story as a legend, a fantasy that would become a part of the culture…a tradition…a classic. I want Holly’s story to endure for generations."
—

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story with a real Victorian feel, this is the tale of Santa Claus' daughter, Holly. Gifted, kind, intelligent and spunky, Holly has never been able to leave her home before, because she must be cold all the time or her heart will break (literally). But one December she sets out, and finds work in a toyshop with the help of a wolf, some street urchins, and a cloud of magical snow to keep her nicely chilled. A wondrous tale!

Reread 2014: Found out last year that this book is out of print! Why? WHY? I must treasure my battered copy!

[Courtney Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I read this book because I love Laurel Long's illustrations. They're just so gorgeous and complex and there's always something new to find in them!

I also loved the super sweet story. Mr. Carroll is just so SWEET!!! Although there are a few problems with pacing, I still was able to stay enraptured by the story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to feel the joy of Christmas (at any time of the year!!!)

[Aerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a crier. I cry most easily when I’m angry, but I also cry when I’m sad, and when I’m happy, and when my kids are being cute, and when there are freshly baked cookies to be had. I’m the person Brian Andreas had it mind when he wrote, “She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful & life was so short.”

The Legend of Holly Claus is a cry book. It made be cry because of its wonder and beauty. Publishers Weekly said it was a “lush and leisurely Yuletide read.” It’s part of the Julie Andrews Collection, that “offers gentle wisdom for the growing years.” If you’re thinking Tasha Tudor meets Louisa May Alcott, you wouldn’t be far off.

To be honest, I bought it because it was 50% off in the Barnes and Noble after-Christmas sale. The premise looked interesting and the illustrations by award-winning Long are breathtaking.

What I found was one of my new favorite books, one that I will read year after year during the Christmas season.

Nicholas Claus is the King of Forever, the Land of Immortals. When a child writes an unusual Christmas letter, he and Mrs. Claus are granted their hearts’ desire: a child. Their daughter Holly grows up intelligent, kind, and spirited. Unfortunately, she also grows up with her heart frozen inside a block of ice, as part of a complicated curse involving the uber-evil being, Herrikhan. The gates to the Land of the Immortals are barred, so that Immortal may carry out his or her work on Earth, and no new Immortal may enter.

Seeing Holly rather than Herrikhan as the cause of their misfortune, the Immortals shun Holly, so that she reaches adolescence with only animals as her friends. Determined to right the wrong done at her birth, she finds a way to travel to the Empire City – Victorian New York – where she proves herself a truly selfless and strong heroine.

In addition to being sappy and sentimental, I’m also superlatively suspicious. I’m almost impossible to surprise. But Ryan manages a few authentic twists and revelations that amazed even me. The Legend of Holly Claus brims with innocence and goodwill, without pandering to naïveté. I highly recommend it, even – and especially – if you’re a crier.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cut 200 pages and I think you have a lovely story akin to The Ordinary Princess. The pictures were lovely. But it was too long. It goes on too many tangents. And then it throws in a romance with no development which might have worked with a shorter novel but feels inexcusable with one this long. Similarly, the villain and climax feel rushed when so many pages are spent on orphans and dolls and small animals.
Tighten it up, delightful Christmas story. Keep it as it is and you have a somewhat rambling tale that throws in all the things that should delight children and maybe does. But as an adult reader, I felt more cheated by the tantalizing taste of what a classic Christmas story it could have been.

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end!
Wow, probably one of my favorite books this year. Filled with so much magic, light, hope, and love, this was the perfect Christmas story 🥹

And my heart nearly got ripped out at the end (as I’m sure yours might too if you read this book), but everything worked out and I cried tears of joy instead. Tundra is my favorite, just saying 😭

I thought the plot was very well done, and the world was super cozy. Everything about this story reads like a classic, and I’m so thankful Bookstagram recommended it to me :)

On another note…
There are some Biblical analogies and themes throughout, but as a caution, this story shouldn’t be read strictly through that lens or else one might be tempted to believe it’s a works-based theology which saves. But seeing as this wasn’t the author’s intent (I don’t believe) and instead strove to write a story filled with goodness & hope, as a reader, I didn’t have a problem suspending my disbelief and just enjoying this clever tale.

So well done 💛

[Hannah McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to come back and ramble about how beautiful this book is when it's not 2 AM and the words I try to say make sense

[Lauren Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the full review at Lauren the Librarian.

A young boy is encouraged to write to Santa Claus at the beginning of the story by his mother. Ten year old Christopher writes that he has everything he needs in this world, but instead asks the benevolent ruler of The Land of Immortals if there is anything he wants for Christmas. It is in this beautiful spirit of giving that this story takes flight. Unbeknownst to young Christopher, he plays a great role later on in the story.

When Nicholas Claus receives the letter, he realizes that the thing he wants most in life is a child. Holly Claus, the princess of The Land of Immortals and the daughter of Nicholas and Viviana Claus is born. Some of Holly’s little adventures allow her character to develop when she encourages a visually disabled reindeer to learn to fly despite the odds against him and later her desire to have a picnic in the spirit of the ones she has seen in the mortal world which she enjoys in the snow and ice.

However, Holly Claus’s true journey is to face the evil character Herrikhan who has replaced the infant Holly’s tiny heart with one made of ice so that the child cannot tolerate summer, blankets, warmth, or too much sunlight for fear that her heart would melt.

The beauty of this story lies in the moral that it endeavors to teach children and young adults. The spirit of helping one another, giving of oneself despite the challenges that you face is at the heart of the story and remains to be the most important theme carried through.

This holiday season keep The Legend of Holly Claus in mind during acquisitions time as an option for holiday displays in your school or children’s section of the public library. If you have children in your life that are due for some presents, this title makes a delightful gift due to its intricately detailed illustrations and gold-embossed cover. The sequel The Christmas Princess is also available for those who want to continue the story. Bundling both novels together would make any book-loving child excited.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library solely for Laurel Long's illustrations. And they are lovely--she had the freedom to illustrate what scenes she chose rather than having to space them out evenly over the book, which sometimes means dozens of pages without any pictures and then several pictures back-to-back, but her work is so gorgeous it doesn't matter.

Santa Claus is probably my least favorite part of Christmas. My parents chose to tell us that Santa Claus wasn't real, but we still "played" Santa Claus anyway, which meant they got an extra plate of cookies on Christmas Eve. Ahem. As I grew older, I became more enchanted with the historical St Nicholas and less enchanted with the Coca-Cola shill cultural Santa Claus that has emerged over the past two hundred years or so. "Santa magic" (of the type in Elf) is so thin to me that I can't see its appeal; there's got to be some nostalgia in there that I'm missing. Santa in The Legend of Holly Claus, however, is loosely based on the historical St Nicholas, though he performs the functions of Santa Claus, and is known by that name on earth. Rather than being a bearded, elderly gentleman, Nicholas retains some measure of youth in Forever, the Land of Immortals, and is more like a benevolent fairy-tale king, which was much more fun to read about than any other literary Santa I've met.

The Land of Immortals was truly enjoyable and felt endlessly fresh compared to other iterations of the North Pole. The worldbuilding is not as detailed as I'd like, but the hints about how this world works were quite fun. Some portions required a leap of imagination, even for middle-grade fantasy. You're really trying to tell me Holly can make porcelain dolls in five minutes? Why are the doll clothes popping up out of nowhere plausible to me, but the porcelain being sculpted, fired, painted, and glazed in five minutes implausible?? Overall, though, I was quite taken with the hodge-podge fantasy land and its many lovely creatures, in which mythical and historical creatures mingle freely.

After the Questing™ begins, however, the story felt weaker to me. It got cheesier, more predictable, and the ex machina moments were...frequent. The climax was anticlimactic and the romance was forced and sentimental, even if it was sweet. Our romantic interest had a weird part to his story that was definitely A Choice. Christopher's cute letter to Santa brought about the conception of his wife? What kinda whackadoo annunciation was that? Overall, Holly Claus wasn't as trite as I thought it would be, and has a strong message even with all the preachy bits. Oh, to be a proto-second-wave-feminist in a quasi-historical middle-grade novel. I mean, Mattel could sue Ryan for Holly's Career Barbie side hustle, just saying.

Holly Claus made nice bedtime reading in December, and I finished it off by our Christmas tree, which was lovely. I'm not super into children's Christmas novels (again, the Santa thing) but I enjoyed this and would read it again with kids. The many characters in the Land of Immortals would make for incredibly fun read-alouds. And, I kind of want a copy of the book to keep because Illustrations, Though. I'll definitely be looking up the picture book version, too.

Content warnings: a truly creepy villain (who lacks a meaningful motive); general discussion of the world's ills, including homeless children; character death

[Nicole Javvaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spectacular holiday read!
I found this book in a used bookstore and was enchanted by the cover. The illustrations throughout the book are equally mesmerizing, the detailed sketches of Holly and the Land of Immortals really fuel the reader's imagination.
The story is quite long but can definitely hold the reader's attention throughout. Many plot twists and side stories to engage young minds. It has 2 excellent messages about giving love selflessly and inspiring others to dream big and go for it. The vocabulary in this book is delightfully rich, especially when one considers this is a children's novel. I even had to get the dictionary out a few times! I love that!
I would love to use this book in the classroom because it would get kids in the holiday spirit and elicit conversations about so many topics. There is the obvious foreground topic of cultural beliefs, but the book also touches on poverty, homelessness, lost hope, kindness, I could really go on and on. Fabulous book for children, teens, even adults like me who enjoy fantasy.

[Mintymedley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this is the very dark older sister to the beautiful children's book Holly Claus: The Christmas Princess.

It really adds so much to the story you never knew you were missing. You do miss the magnificent art from the children's book but the descriptions and character development make up for it.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

And sprawling epic of beauty and love that will stand the test of time. A modern classic and deeply emotional story that will ring truth in anyone that reads it. Strongly recommend to anyone and everyone and I am grateful for how it continues to wash over me and change my life.

[Hanna Mae 🌻🌙🍁🧸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was eleven and I’m still thinking about it five years later 🥹

[Colleen Crayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read with a heartfelt message that readers of all ages can enjoy this time of year.

[Todd Strader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Outside, the afternoon grew darker, and the icy rain began to fall. Inside the sound of wailing babies and the sour smell of thin soup wafted through the flimsy walls. Absorbed in the magic of making, Christopher noticed none of it…” - Brittney Ryan, The Legend of Holly Clause.

The title and cover grabbed me first. The language drew me in, like a Dicksonian memory, and the story itself captured me completely. This is a story of Santa’s gift, not one he gives but one he receives, and a curse, one to rival Maleficent and just as destined to spawn enchantment. And a book, the kind in which we should all hope to find our story and a quest. A quest to be something more, to do something worthy, to be recorded in the annals of a great book. Brittany Ryan has woven a timeless classic for the holidays one sure to take it’s place next to A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. Especially the Nutcracker in that she in like manner whisks us to a wondrous land of fantasy (but only after adeptly planting us in the reality of 19th century New York.) In Forever, The Land of the Immortals, Brittany invites us to meet fantastic creatures from every spring of myth and legend. Here we meet...

Holly, innocent and pure, she is the perfect blend of compassion and courage.
Nicholas not just a jolly old soul but a prudent, caring, majestic figure who wears the crown of Forever with dignity and is a force to be reckoned with.
Tundra my favorite, and not just because he is a wolf. He is the epitome of loyalty, steadfastness and sacrifice.
Sofya the wise, mysterious mentor who both preserves and challenges Holly.
Melchior who redefines our concept of “goblin.”
Holly’s companions on her quest an owl, a penguin and a fox who befriend her and prepare her for her journey.
Herrikhan, vengeful, cunning, mad and cruel, eager to bring ruin to Forever and Christmas...

And here enters the evil. If Brittany’s voice can charm us with echo’s of Dicken’s and Else Homelund Minarik, it can also shock and abhor us when it comes to Herrikhan. The contrast can be jolting at times which I think works in the stories favor, after all Herrikhan is horrifying, a brutality, cold and dark, come to invade the warmth and light we hold as Christmas.

Holly Clause does what the great books of Christmas do… it instills wonder, kindles the spirit and leaves us warm inside. Read it… at Christmas or anytime of the year when you can use a little Christmas magic.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of this book, and I think there were some lovely ideas in it. But this book was way too long for absolutely no reason. I understand world building, but to have the main character's actual journey begin at the 47% mark was pretty ridiculous. Holly as a character felt flat and too perfect, making for a mostly uninteresting protagonist. The romantic story was...ugh. Just mechanical and eye-roll worthy. The villain was pretty generic but creepy at times. Because this is a Christmas story, it definitely is overly sentimental and saccharine, which I expected. But because of some of my problems with this book, the tone was sometimes tiresome when it could've been charming.

Ultimately, this is a children's book, and I think some children would enjoy the lush fantasy world. It is a simple story about goodness, generosity and love, which are certainly in the spirit of Christmas and Santa Claus. The illustrations and cover art were fantastic and enhanced the story. The biggest hurdle here is the unnecessary length and the meandering pace of the first half (and frankly, some of the second half).

[Kathryn]

I'm "stalling" on this, probably until next holiday season. While the focus isn't entirely on Christmas, it just seems really passe to keep reading it now especially after my trip to Florida--no continuity with the holidays at all anymore. Also, it seemed to be a bit over-long as is, so hopefully a return to it later will bring renewed enthusiasm. It's such a sweet idea and so nicely written!


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I absolutely couldn't resist this book!!! The description is captivating and the cover art is exquisite. I've had such a hard time finding a "Christmas novel" that appeals to me. I meant to just read one chapter "to see if I would like it" and then put off getting it until next season since I already have a lot to read right now. Whoops! I fell in love with the story right away and read four chapters last night. Although it's a long book, it reads quickly (I'm already to page 50) as the print is large-ish and the chapters have occassional artwork. I think I'm hooked! :-)

[Deedi Brown (DeediReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the greatest dark horses of my life. My mother bought it for me many years ago, and I have re-read it several times since then. I also lend it to friends whenever I can, and they always love it as well. It's Christmas magic meets Anastasia meets The Little Mermaid (just bear with me here).

Holly Claus is the daughter of Santa and Mrs. Claus, made possible by the magic that is created when a young boy asks Santa what he'd like for Christmas instead of providing a traditional Christmas list. Enter the evil, cursed-out-of-magic-land villain (who reminds me a lot of Rasputin in the Disney telling of Anastasia). Growing up, she must always remain at home for her own safety. Naturally, she becomes increasingly curious about the rest of the world, and she flees the safety of her castle and country for adventure, companionship, and—ultimately—the triumph of good over evil.

As a children's book, the characters and plot are not very complex, but they are very lovable. The story is ripe with magic and adventure.

[Debbie is on Storygraph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I utterly adored this book. The style and the story gave me the strongest sense of deja vu. It reminded me so much of the old stop animation holiday movies that I used to watch as a kid. I loved every single word and was sad when it was over. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. It would be a crime if this book doesn't become a holiday classic considering what passes for "holiday classic" now.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a garage sale a few years ago and am so glad I did. I have read it three times and will probably read it again. Highly recommend it! This heartwarming tale can be read at any time of year, not just Christmas. I love the whole story, especially the ending. Thank you Brittney Ryan!

[LaRae☕️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children's book is delightful. I enjoyed it immensely. If, like me, you enjoy reading Christmas-themed books at this time of year, and if you like a fairy tale with a happy, clear win of good over evil, then I recommend this one. Also -- the black and white illustrations are really beautiful.

[Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as magical as when I read it as a child

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas read.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5

If you see or hear about this book, don't be like me ... don't wait seven years before you read it!

If you've picked up this book, you're already pretty familiar with Santa Claus. He's the King of Forever in the Land of Immortals. You knew that, right?

The story here begins when a little boy writes to Santa Claus and asks a question that no one has ever asked of the jolly old elf, which brings about a miracle - a daughter, Holly, is born to Santa and Mrs. Claus. But there's a curse that comes with Holly's birth: Holly's heart has been replaced with one made of ice (she has to stay in the cold all the time or her heart will literally break) and the gates to the Land of Immortals are locked, keeping the immortals captive in their land with only one night a year when Santa can deliver his toys. This curse comes from an evil individual named Herrikhan.

Holly grows up to be a beautiful young woman, selfless and giving, and wants to free her people from their captivity. With the help of some animal friends, Holly manages to escape the Land of Immortals and finds herself in Victorian New York - about as far south as she dares go. This world is new and unusual to her, but it doesn't change her. She is still the selfless, giving young woman, and she works her way into the hearts of some of the tough, cold Victorian's.

Not surprisingly, there are young man who would like to catch Holly's attention, but she's got her eyes on the goal of freeing her people - though there is one young man ....

This is a beautiful story. Author Brittney Ryan captures the sense of the Victorian era while telling a modern fantasy. Holly is a perfect princess and she's got an appropriate challenge ahead of her, with a nasty villain as her foil.

I did find the book to be just a little bit too long. It gets caught up with delivering the luscious language in the middle portion of the book. But ther beginning and ending are strong enough to overcome the slow middle.

I can see where this book might become a seasonal favorite for some, and it's got all the makings of a holiday movie as well.

The book is lightly illustrated with some very nice drawings by Laurel Long which also evokes the Victorian era.

Looking for a good book? The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan is a YA romantic fantasy that gets a little slow at times, but might become a regular holiday read for some.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole Fernyc · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Legend of Holly Claus is a sweet and overall pleasant story befitting the so-called spirit of Christmas abundant in holiday movies. The story is compelling, but as a novel, The Legend of Holly Claus was slow at times, and I think it would be more captivating as a film. The writing style was appropriate for children and reminded me of Narnia.

However, in my opinion, some of the descriptions of violence and themes of character relationships seemed a bit graphic and dark for a children's novel. I often found these descriptions out of place and jarring, which detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

I would not recommend The Legend of Holly Claus to readers looking for a Christmas story appropriate for children, since it at times seemed reminiscent of dark fairy tales like those of the brothers Grimm. For teenagers or adults looking for an intriguing Christmas story, I would encourage them to give The Legend of Holly Claus a try, but only if they found it on sale or second-hand.

A quote I found moving and applicable outside the context of a fantasy novel:

“Immortality is what happens when love conquers time - when a person’s ability to love others and to act in pure love and goodness stretches beyond death to live forever in the heart of the human race. Mortals who gave something precious to human history, who made the dreams and hopes of others come true - those are the ones destined for immortality.” (p. 28)

[Ocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this magical christmas read. Set in the victorian era it feels like it's been written then also. Brittney Ryan really takes you to the immortal land where Santa and his family lives surrounded by an array of magical creatures and talking animals of all kinds. The plot is predictable but it has enough twist and turns to make you forget what you already know. I wasn't analysing as much as I was LIVING through Holly for my entire reading time and this is exactly what I hope from a great tale.
I highly recommend this book for a gripping and elegant holiday read that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster and leave you feeling warm inside. It's nothing cheesy although a little on the manichean side this remains a really well rounded fantasy novel !
The illustrations are just splendid too, they look like engravings from another time and are so detailed, I wish I could get them in poster form honestly!

[Sterrevw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was magical from start to finish. The illustrations were what initially drew me in. And they add so much to the story. It is intended for children but this book is filled with so much prose and magic that that didn’t matter. The story takes you to a snowy land where fairytales exists. I had been looking for a book like this for a long time. Perfect for reading during the colder months and leading up to Christmas.

[Dana Fraedrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR: This book is a perfect example of what it’s supposed to be – a Christmas fairytale

Firstly, there are many a book reviewer who would rate this book poorly for reasons I will discuss further down. Excepting technical aspects like spelling and grammar (I know this should be a given, but I live in both the self-published and traditionally published world), I tend to judge books based on what they’re meant to be, not an across-the-board system. I’m not going to judge The Legend of Holly Claus by all the same standards as Clive Barker’s Abarat series, even though there are a good many similarities. Abarat is not meant to be a fluffy, holiday tale of love and joy, whereas The Legend of Holly Claus most definitely is. Right that said, here’s what I liked about it.

The Legend of Holly Claus is perfection when it comes to happy holiday stories. <--I don’t use the P-word lightly about entertainment. I bought this book about ten years ago and have read it almost every year at Christmas since. I know that 544 page count might seem intimidating, but the print is a good bit larger than your average novel, plus there are illustrations (more on that later) scattered throughout, so it’s actually a pretty quick read as novels go. I try to read this book every year for the same reasons I watch A Muppet Christmas Carol and Elf every year, because it makes me happy and all warm and fuzzy inside and want to push my enthusiasm on others. And it makes me cry too, so get ready to feel things with this book.

I also really love the characterizations in this book. Holly is meant to be the most compassionate being in the universe. The book itself says, “Nicholas and Viviana, immortal beings, you are in the presence of the purest and most compassionate heart that has ever been born,” and that is portrayed so well on every page. But I think people sometimes think compassion and purity are isolated from anger, and I don’t agree with that at all. Civil injustices make us angry, and that is compassion. Holly’s character gets angry at cruelty, indignant at the idea that children can go hungry and people do nothing to immediately stop it, and I think that’s such a good move by Brittney Ryan. Holly isn’t portrayed as some insipid goody-two shoes. She teases, she defies her parents to do what she thinks is right, and I think that’s so important to the story because she is relatable.

Other than her, the characters are painted with such diverse personalities. There’s vivacious Lexi, a fox with more personality and opinions than she knows what to do with, and bumbling Euphemia, an owl who just wants to do well but seems to always get it wrong. Nicholas Claus (Santa) is crafted so richly as a devoted but overprotective father, but who can blame him? He’s just trying to keep his only child from harm. Of all the characters, however, Tundra is my absolute favorite. He’s a wolf, so dignified with a fantastically dry wit. And he loves Holly so dearly, but he is protective of her in a completely different way than Nicholas. He’ll make every effort to preserve Holly’s happiness as he stands ready to defend her.

This story also takes a really good look at what it’s like to have a disability. Holly can’t go outside in warm weather because it will actually kill her. Her heart will melt, and she will die. She has to take precautions inside her own home (no fires, no warm breezes from the outside, no blankets) for the same reason. She has a conversation with a sick little girl, and they understand one another because the little girl has to stay warm to get better. And it’s not handled with kid gloves. It’s right out there: this is a thing that happens in the world. Different people have different needs. As this is a children’s book, I think that’s such a great way to open up that conversation with children. “That little girl doesn’t have any hair because the medicine she needs makes it fall out. That little boy is in a wheelchair because some people need them to get around.” As someone who once had tube hanging out of her chest as a child, I appreciate this.

And can we talk about these illustrations? They are gorgeous! I personally love pen and ink drawings, so these are right up my street. And Laurel Long does such a lovely job with each one, providing an ambiance to the scene each one is depicting.

So what about things I didn’t like? There’s not much to be honest. The villain, Herrikhan, might be a little too cookie-cutter. He is very much like a lot of villains I’ve seen in the past, but then you have to remember that this is a book meant for children. Even so, children need three-dimensional characters as well, and Herrikhan is just plain evil. Nothing else. In addition to that, there is a part with talking dolls, and I found that massively creepy. If I ever hear a doll start talking, that thing is going to the bottom of a lake ASAP! I also wish the appendix in the back of the book that lists all the Immortals mentioned would provide us with more information about the person. We get a short one or two sentence synopsis and that’s it. The good definitely outweighs the bad here, though.

Recommend? Abso-freakin-lutely! This book should be right up there with the top Christmas entertainments.

[Rachelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did want to like this. I’ve seen the picture book, and the illustrations are gorgeous. But it really seems it’s best suited for children. Attempting to rewrite it for YA just accentuated the simple storyline. Holly is considered generous because she creates dolls using magic she didn’t earn and materials she didn’t pay for in any way. It’s easy to seem generous when it’s no skin off your back, I suppose. The climax was too simple even for a YA book. Maybe I would have enjoyed this when I was 12. Maybe. It has the right ingredients. It’s an original story. But the execution was a letdown.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

To briefly describe The Legend of Holly Claus, I will only say that this book is Christmas in words. It’s so delightfully hopeful and cheerful. It felt like a book that I could read to a young child, but I, as an adult, enjoyed it a great deal as well. While the plot itself was a bit predictable, the writing felt cinematic in its scope. The way the world is constructed and described would adapt seamlessly into a movie. (Hear that, Hollywood? Please?). I didn’t get “into” the plot itself until about halfway through, but it was nonetheless enjoyable throughout. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up, but if you haven’t read it yet then perhaps wait until winter 2021. You won’t be sorry to have read it in December!

[Sam Aschenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet! I thoroughly enjoyed the legend created in these pages. The world was so lush and inviting, I already find myself wanting to hop back in. And don't even get me started on the illustrations.